Coordinating critical cable reel logistics from South Korea to Teesside
Net Zero Tees is one of the UK’s most significant industrial decarbonisation projects. Aiming to become the world’s first commercial gas-fired power station with carbon capture, it is expected to generate up to 860 MW of low-carbon electricity and capture up to 2 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Behind a project of this scale is a complex supply chain where critical equipment has to arrive safely, on time and ready for installation. Working with the cable fabricator, ASCO supported the forwarding, import and movement of 13 high voltage cable reels and containerised accessories from South Korea to Teesside for onward delivery to the end client.
The scope brought together freight forwarding, customs, port operations, lifting, storage, heavy transport and final delivery to the yard, with ASCO coordinating activity across multiple stakeholders and delivery points on behalf of the cable fabricator.
Scope
Freight Forwarding, Project Logistics, Heavy Transport, Quayside Operations
Location
Teesside, Net Zero Tees Project
Duration
Project completed within expected timeframe
At a glance
- ASCO provided freight forwarding and customs support for 13 high voltage cable reels and containerised accessories imported from South Korea.
- Cable reels were discharged over the quayside, placed into storage, reloaded to low loader heavy transport and moved by public road to the site.
- Containers were transhipped through Rotterdam, discharged, devanned and forwarded to storage.
- ASCO coordinated port operations, transport, cranage, lift plans, movement orders, RAMS and risk assessments through one point of contact.
Approach
We delivered a coordinated freight forwarding and project logistics solution for the import, handling, storage and onward movement of 13 high voltage cable reels and associated accessories from South Korea to the UK.
The cable reels were discharged over the quayside, held in storage, then reloaded to low loader transport for delivery by road to the site. Containerised accessories were also managed through the import process, including transhipment, discharge, devanning and forwarding to storage.
We provided on-site support and in-person coordination across the port and storage locations, managing transport and discharge activity as it happened. Real-time updates kept all parties aligned as activity progressed, with ASCO adding value where complex projects often slow down: connecting the right people, decisions and detail across stakeholders to keep the job moving.
Impact
We gave the client a single point of contact across a complex supply chain, bringing together supplier updates, documentation, operational changes and stakeholder communication.
This joined-up approach helped reduce pressure on the fabricator’s team and meant short-notice changes could be managed quickly through local relationships and on-site coordination, without disrupting the overall timeline.
The project was delivered safely, within the expected timeframe and in line with approved RAMS, risk assessments and handling processes. Where possible, lower-carbon options were also used, including all-electric port cranes during discharge operations.
Results
- 13 high voltage cable reels imported, discharged, stored and delivered
- Heaviest reel was around 42t, and total was approx. 400t
- Total of 39 heavy lifts completed
- Reduced delivery time by approximately 29%, completing two days early
- Completed within 1 week, after 6 months+ of planning.
- Delivered safely with zero incidents